AEMC MR521 User manual

AC/DC Current Probes
Model MR411
Model MR521
USER MANUAL
!
OL
ON
600A
OFF
60A
600V CAT III - 600A
OUTPUT:
600A: 1 mV/A
60A: 10 mV/A
®
INSTRUMENTS
AC/DC CURRENT PROBE
Model MR 411
!
OL
ON
1500A
OFF
150 A
600V CAT III - 1500A
OUTPUT:
1500A: 1 mV/A
150A: 10 mV/A
®
INSTRUMENTS
AC/DC CURRENT PROBE
Model MR 521

Statement of Compliance
Chauvin Arnoux
®
, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC
®
Instruments
certifies that this instrument has been calibrated
using standards and instruments traceable to
international standards.
We guarantee that at the time of shipping your
instrument has met its published specifications.
An NIST traceable certificate may be
requested at the time of purchase, or obtained
by returning the instrument to our repair and
calibration facility, for a nominal charge.
The recommended calibration interval for this
instrument is 12 months and begins on the date of
receipt by the customer. For recalibration, please
use our calibration services. Refer to our repair and
calibration section at www.aemc.com.
Serial #:
Catalog #: 1200.68 / 1200.69
Model #: MR411 / MR521
Please fill in the appropriate date as indicated:
Date Received:
Date Calibration Due:
Chauvin Arnoux
®
, Inc.
d.b.a AEMC
®
Instruments
www.aemc.com

Table of Contents
Warning.................................................................................................... 2
International Electrical Symbols............................................................... 2
Definition of Measurement Categories......................................................3
Receiving Your Shipment......................................................................... 3
Description ............................................................................................... 3
Specifications........................................................................................... 4
Model MR411 Features............................................................................ 9
Model MR521 Features.......................................................................... 10
DMM/Display Compatibility ................................................................... 11
Operating Procedure.............................................................................. 12
Making Measurements with the Model MR Probes......................... 12
DC Measurement ............................................................................ 12
AC Measurement ............................................................................ 13
Indicator Lights ................................................................................ 13
Auto-Off .......................................................................................... 13
Operation Examples............................................................................... 14
DC Current Measurement Example (MR411) ..................................14
Measuring the DC Component of AC/DC Waveform (MR411)........15
Measuring the AC Component of AC/DC Waveform (MR521)........16
Tips for Making Precise Measurements................................................. 17
Typical Response Curves ..................................................................... 18
Maintenance........................................................................................... 20
Warning ........................................................................................... 20
Battery Replacement....................................................................... 20
Cleaning........................................................................................... 20
Warranty..................................................................................................20
Repair and Calibration .................................................(inside back cover)
Technical and Sales Assistance ...................................(inside back cover)

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 2 -
Warning
These safety warnings are provided to ensure the safety of
personnel and proper operation of the instrument.
Read the instruction manual completely and follow all the
safety information before attempting to use or service this
instrument.
Use caution on any circuit: potentially high voltages and
currents may be present and may pose a shock hazard.
Read the safety specifications section before using the Model
MR411 or MR521. NEVER exceed the maximum voltage
ratings given.
Safety is the responsibility of the operator.
NEVER open the back of the instrument while connected to
any circuit or input.
ALWAYS connect the Model MR411 or MR521 to the display
device before clamping the probe onto the sample under test.
ALWAYS inspect the instrument and lead prior to use.
Replace any defective parts immediately.
NEVER use the Model MR411 or MR521 on electrical
conductors rated above 600V.
International Electrical Symbols
This symbol signifies that the instrument is protected by double
or reinforced insulation. Use only specified replacement parts
when servicing the instrument.
This symbol signifies CAUTION! and requests that the user refer
to the user manual before using the instrument.
Risk of electric shock. The voltage at the parts marked with this
symbol may be dangerous.
This is a type A current sensor. This symbol signifies that
application around and removal from HAZARDOUS LIVE
conductors is permitted.

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 3 -
Definition of Measurement Categories
CAT II: For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to
the electrical distribution system. Examples are measurements
on household appliances or portable tools.
CAT III: For measurements performed in the building installation at the
distribution level such as on hardwired equipment in fixed
installation and circuit breakers.
CAT IV: For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply
(<1000V) such as on primary overcurrent protection devices,
ripple control units, or meters
Receiving Your Shipment
Both models include a 9V battery, warranty card and user manual.
Upon receiving your shipment, be sure that the contents are consistent
with the packing list. Notify your distributor of any missing items. If the
equipment appears to be damaged, file a claim immediately with the
carrier and notify your distributor with a detailed description of any
damage. Save the damaged packing container to substantiate your claim.
Description
The MR probes are designed to meet the latest safety and performance
standards. Two different hook-shaped jaws are offered, both permitting
the user to “pry” into or “hook” onto cables (will accept 2 x 500 MCM) or
even smaller bus bars.
The MR series uses Hall effect technology. The electronics and batteries
are self-contained in the handles. The output of the AC/DC probes is
1mV/A and 10mV/A. An auto zero push button ensures rapid and stable
zeroing. There is no output filtering - True RMS with DC components is
possible. Phase shift is excellent, making the MR series well suited for
power and power quality applications.
Model MR411 is a portable 400A AC (600A peak), 600A DC current
probe. Model MR521 is a portable 1000A AC (1500A peak), 1500A DC
current probe that accurately measures AC or DC current waveforms
using Hall effect technology.
Both models have proportional mV output for direct readings on
multimeters, recorders, loggers and other instruments accepting banana
plugs.

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 4 -
Specifications
MR411 Specifications
ELECTRICAL
Current Range:
60A range:
0.2 to 40A AC (60A Peak)
0.4 to 60A DC
600A range:
0.5 to 400A AC (600A Peak)
0.5 to 600A DC
Output Signal:
10mV/A on 60A range
1mV/A on 600A range
Accuracy and Phase Shift*:
60A Range:
0.5 to 40A: 1.5% reading ± 0.5A
40 to 60A DC only:
1.5% reading
Phase Shift:
45 to 65Hz 10 to 20A: 3.5°
20 to 40A: 3°
600A Range:
0.5 to 100A: 1.5% reading ± 1A
100 to 400A: 2.0% reading
400 to 600 DC only:
2.5% reading
Phase Shift:
45 to 65Hz 10 to 100A: 3°
100 to 400A: 2.5°
MR521 Specifications
ELECTRICAL
Current Range:
150A Range:
0.2 to 100A AC (150A Peak)
0.4 to 150A DC
1500A Range:
0.5 to 1000A AC (1400A Peak)
0.5 to 1500A DC
Output Signal:
10mV/A on 150A range
1mV/A on 1500A range
Accuracy and Phase Shift*:
150A Range:
0.5 to 100A: 1.5% reading ± 0.5A
100 to 150A DC only:
2.5% reading.
Phase Shift:
45 to 65Hz 10 to 20A: 3.5°
20 to 100A: 3°
1500A Range:
1 to 100A: 1.5% reading ± 1A
100 to 800A: 2.5% reading ± 0.5A
800 to 1000A: 4% reading
1000 to 1200 DC only:
4% reading
Phase Shift:
45 to 65Hz 10 to 200A: 3°
200 to 1000A: 2.5°
(*Reference conditions: 18° to 28°C , 20 to 75% RH, external magnetic field <40
A
/m, no DC component, no external current carrying conductor, test sample
centered, 1M100 pF load, zero adjustment prior to measurement [DC only],
DC to 65Hz. Battery voltage 9V ± 0.1V)

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 5 -
MR411 Specifications, cont.
Overload: 1500A DC and 1000A
AC continuous up to 1kHz
Noise:
60A Range:
DC to 1kHz 8mV
DC to 5kHz: 12mV
0.1Hz to 5kHz: 2mV
600A Range:
DC to 1kHz 1mV
DC to 5kHz: 1.5mV
0.1Hz to 5kHz: 500µV
Rise and Fall Time:
60A Range:
100µs from 10 to 90% Vout
600A Range:
70µs from 10 to 90% Vout
MECHANICAL
Humidity Influence:
10 to 90% RH @ reference
temperature 0.5%
Maximum Cable Diameter:
One 1.18" (30mm) or two 0.95"
(24mm) or two bus bars 1.24 x
0.39" (31.5 x 10mm)
Dimensions:
8.8 x 3.82 x 1.73"
(224 x 97 x 44mm)
Weight: 15oz (440g)
MR521 Specifications, cont.
Overload: 1500A DC and 1000A
AC continuous up to 1kHz
Noise:
150A Range:
DC to 1kHz: 8mV
DC to 5kHz: 12mV
0.1Hz to 5kHz: 2mV
1500A Range:
DC to 1kHz: 1mV
DC to 5kHz: 1.5mV
0.1Hz to 5kHz: 500µV
Rise and Fall Time:
150A Range:
100µs from 10 to 90% Vout
1500A Range:
70µs from 10 to 90% Vout
MECHANICAL
Humidity Influence:
10 to 90% RH @ reference
temperature 0.1%
Maximum Cable Diameter:
One 1.6" (42mm) or two 0.98"
(25.4mm) or two bus bars 1.96
x 0.19" (50 x 5mm)
Dimensions:
9.31 x 3.82 x 1.73"
(236.5 x 97 x 44mm)
Weight: 16oz (480g)

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 6 -
Common Specifications (MR411 & MR521)
ELECTRICAL
Frequency Range: DC to 10kHz at -3dB
Load Impedance: >100k/100 pF
Insertion Impedance: 0.39M@ 50 Hz, 58M@1000Hz
Working Voltage: 600Vrms
Common Mode Voltage: 600Vrms
Influence of Adjacent Conductor:
< 10mA/A at 50Hz at 23mm from the probe
Influence of Conductor in Jaw Opening:
0.5% reading (DC to 440Hz)
Battery: 9V alkaline (NEDA 1604A, IEC 6LR61) recommended
Low Battery: Green LED when battery voltage 6.5V
Battery Life: Approx. 100H typical
Overload Indication:
Red LED indicates input greater than the selected range
Auto-Off: 10 minutes (may be disabled at power-up by pressing Zero
button while turning on; green LED blinks three times to indicate that
auto-off is disabled)
MECHANICAL
Operating Temperature Range:
14° to 131°F (-10° to 55°C)
Storage Temperature Range:
-40° to 176°F (-40° to 80°C)
Temperature Influence:
40mA/10K typical
300ppm/°K or 0.3%/10°K

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 7 -
Operating Relative Humidity:
10-35°C: 90% ±5% RH (without condensation)
40-55°C: 70% ±5% RH (without condensation)
RH Influence:
10-35°C: 90% RH at reference
Temperature: 0.5% (MR411)
0.1% (MR521)
Altitude: Operating: 0 to 2000m
Non-operating: 0 to 12,000m
Zero Adjustment: Automatic zero (± 10) A by simple push button
increments of 25 to 40mA. Red LED goes on at push of the button and
turns off when zero is reached; no need to the hold button down.
Case protection: IP30 per IEC529
Drop Test:
1.0m on 38mm of oak on concrete; test according to IEC 1010
Mechanical Shock:
100G, test per IEC 68-2-27
Vibration: Test Per IEC 68-2-6,
Frequency Range:
5 to 15Hz, amplitude: 1.5mm
15 to 25Hz, amplitude 1mm
25 to 55Hz, amplitude: 0.25mm
Handle: UL94 V0
Jaws: UL94 V0
Color: Dark gray with red jaws
Output:
Double/reinforced insulated 5ft (1.5m) with safety 4mm banana plug

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 8 -
SAFETY
Double insulation or reinforced insulation between primary, secondary
and outer case of handle per IEC 1010-2-032
600V Category III, Pollution: 2
7850V DC dielectric between primary or secondary and outer
hand-held case
Electromagnetic Compatibility:
Susceptibility in accordance with EN 50082-2 and EN 50082-1
Electrostatic discharge IEC 1000-4-2
Test voltages: 4kV level 2 in contact, aptitude criteria B
8kV level 3 in the air, aptitude criteria B
Radiated Field IEC 1000-4-3 (1995):
With max. interference of 5% of the measurement range:
3V/m level 3, aptitude criteria A
Fast transients IEC 1000-4-4 (1995):
Test voltage: 1kV level 2, aptitude criteria B
Magnetic fields at the frequency of the network to IEC 1000-4-8
(1995): With a max. distortion of 0.5A: 30A/m 50Hz level 4, aptitude
criteria A
Emissions in accordance with EN 50081-1:
Radiated emission through the case to EN 55022 (1994): class B
Conducted emission to EN 55022 (1994): class B

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 9 -
MR411
Figure 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7. Green light (on when battery
voltage 6.5V)
8. Red light (overrange and
incorrect zero adjustment)
9. Protective non-slip guard
1. Jaws
2. Conductor
3. Automatic zero DC button
4. Safety banana plug Ø 4mm
5. Lead, 5ft (1.5m)
6. Range selection switch:
On/Off
600A (1mV/A)
60A (10mV/A)

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 10 -
MR521
Figure 2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1. Jaws
2. Conductor
3. Automatic zero DC button
4. Safety banana plug Ø 4mm
5. Lead, 5ft (1.5m)
6. Range selection switch:
On/Off
1500A (1mV/A)
150A (10mV/A)
7. Green light (on when battery
voltage 6.5V)
8. Red light (overrange and
incorrect zero adjustment)
9. Protective non-slip guard

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 11 -
DMM/Display Compatibility
The Models MR411 and MR521 current probes are compatible with any
multimeter voltmeter or other voltage measuring instrument which has
the following features:
Input jack that accepts 4mm safety banana plug
Range and resolution capable of displaying 1mV of output per amp of
measured current
Voltmeter accuracy of 0.3% or better to take full advantage of the
probe accuracy
Input impedance of 1M/100pF or greater
When the probe is making a measurement, the current-carrying
conductor is not broken and remains electrically isolated from the probe
output. As a result, the probe output common may be either floated
(isolated) or grounded.
Warning: User Safety:
Always use a DMM, voltmeter or other display, appropriately rated for
safety.

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 12 -
Operating Procedure
Making Measurements with the Models MR411 and MR521
Plug the probe into the display device (e.g., DMM, logger). Note the
polarity of the probe output banana plugs (red = positive [+], black =
negative [-]).
Select the appropriate range on the display device. Note that the
probe’s outputs are 1mV/A and 10mV/A AC or DC. Note the maximum
current capability on 10mV/A range.
Turn display device power on. Turn on the Model MR: the green LED
should be on, and the red LED off. If the green indicator does not
come on or goes off before the probe has operated for 10 minutes, it is
necessary to replace the battery (see “Battery Replacement,” pg. 20).
After approximately 10 minutes of operation, if none of the control
buttons has been manipulated power will automatically shut off (see
“Auto-Off” on next page).
DC Measurement
Select the appropriate DC mV or V range on the DMM or measuring
instrument.
“Zero” the probe. With the probe disconnected from test samples (no
conductor in probe jaw window), press the auto zero button. The red
LED (%) comes on for approximately three seconds to indicate that
the probe is zeroing. If the red LED remains lit, this indicates that zero
has not been attained - repeat the zeroing operation.
For best accuracy, especially on low-level measurement, it is
recommended that you zero the probe before each measurement.
Clamp the probe around the conductor to be tested. The DMM or
display device should now display the measured conductor current. A
positive reading indicates current flowing in the direction of the arrow
located on the side of the jaw. A negative reading indicates current
flow in the opposite direction of the arrow. Apply the conversion ratio
(1mV/A or 10mV/A) to get the value of the current.

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 13 -
AC Measurement
Select the appropriate AC mV or V range on the DMM or measuring
instrument.
The DC zero adjustment is not required when measuring AC current
with a voltmeter that is AC coupled. The DC zero adjustment is
required if you are using a voltmeter that is DC coupled.
Select the appropriate mV AC or V AC range on the DMM or
measuring instrument.
Clamp the probe around the conductor (1) to be tested. The display
device should now display the measured conductor current. Apply the
conversion ratio (1mV/A or 10mV/A) to get the value of the current.
Indicator Lights: Green LED and Red LED
The green LED indicates that the probe is on and that the battery is
good. The green LED will not light under low battery conditions.
Replace the 9V battery if the green LED is not lit.
The red LED indicates a momentary or continuous overload of the
instrument. Readings taken while the red LED is on or flashing should
be considered inaccurate. Momentary or continuous currents
exceeding 60A peak on the 60A range or 600A peak on the 600A
range for the Model MR411, and 150A peak on the 150A range or
1500A on the 1500A range for the Model MR521 will trigger the red
LED.
Auto-Off
The Models MR411 and MR521 have an Auto-Off feature which turns
off the instrument after 10 minutes if no control has been used.
When the probe is switched off by this automatic function, the switch
must first be set to the off position before the probe may be powered
up again.
Auto-off may be disabled at power-up by the user. Simply press the
auto zero button at the same time as moving the switch from the OFF
position to one of the ranges. The green LED blinks three times to
indicate that the auto-off is disabled.

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 14 -
Operation Examples
DC Current Measurement Example for Model MR411
Conductor carrying 25A DC in the direction of the arrow
DMM placed in DC volts mode
DMM displays 250.0mV with the probe in the 60A (10mV/A) range
Figure 3
ACV DCV
!





    

  
  
  
COM +
25 A DC
®
INSTRUMENTS
  
  

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 15 -
Measuring the DC Component of an (AC+DC) Waveform for
Model MR411
Conductor carrying 300A DC + 25.0A AC
DMM placed in DC volts mode
DMM displays 300.0mV with the probe in the 600A (1mV/A) range
Figure 4
ACV DCV
!





    

  
  
300.0 M V
COM
+
300 A DC
®
INSTRUMENTS
  
  

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 16 -
Measuring the AC Component of an (AC+DC) Waveform for
Model MR521
Conductor carrying 900A AC + 20A DC
Voltmeter placed in AC volts mode
Voltmeter displays 900.0mV with probe in the 1500A (1mV/A) range
Figure 5
ACV DCV
900.0 M V
COM
+
900 A AC
!





    

  
  
®
INSTRUMENTS
  
  

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 17 -
Tips For Getting the Best Accuracy
The Models MR411 and MR521 are capable of measuring DC and low
frequency currents over a wide range. Here are some key considerations
for getting the most accuracy from your display instrument:
When using the Models MR411 and MR521 with a DMM or other
meter, it is important to select the range that provides the best
resolution.
Make sure that probe jaw mating surfaces are free of dust and
contamination.
Beware of short-circuit currents. Large in-rush DC currents (which can
occur when power is first applied in a circuit) and large high-current
transients may cause varying degrees of residual readings. If in doubt
of a particular reading, remove the probe from the conductor under
test and check to see that the display device returns to zero. If not, it
will be necessary to rezero the probe.

AC/DC Current Probe Models MR411 & MR521
- 18 -
Typical Response Curves
Model MR411
1 10 100
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
-12
-14
Primary current in amperes
Typical Accuracy on the 60 A DC Range
Typical Accuracy at 50 Hz: Range 60 A (10 mV/A)
Typical Accuracy at 50 Hz: Range 600 A (1 mV/A)
Error in %
1 10 100 1000
2
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
-12
-14
-16
-18
Primary current in amperes
Typical Accuracy on the 600 A DC Range
Error in %